The question on everyone’s mind is: Is “”Episode II”” any good? As Darth Vader would put it, “”Impressive. Most impressive.””
Love, action, drama and thrills all are packed into “”Star Wars: Episode II: The Attack of the Clones,”” creating an entertaining yet serious work that appeals to all. The Force was with director George Lucas when he revived the “”Star Wars”” series with a movie that dares to do the impossible: create a moving film that captures all the excitement of the first trilogy while establishing its own personality.
“”Episode II”” is simply everything that “”Episode I”” should have been.
It manages to do all this while maintaining links to and the flavor from the first three films produced as segments of the six-part Star Wars series. There are minor problems overall, but for the casual viewer, “”Attack of the Clones”” is a comeback that brings the “”Star Wars”” series back to its glory days.
Ten years have passed since “”Episode I,”” and Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) is now a senator of the Republic. After an assassination attempt on Amidala’s life, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are assigned to protect her from the mysterious forces that are plotting not only Amidala’s death, but also the breakup of the Republic.
While Kenobi is investigating the assassination attempts, Skywalker is escorting and guarding Amidala back to her home planet of Naboo, reuniting them for the first time in 10 years. Their time together develops into a love that is forbidden by their professions and places in life.
Helping Skywalker and Kenobi save the fragile Republic are the Jedi knights, led by Jedi Masters Yoda (voice by Frank Oz) and Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), as well as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who is trying to consolidate power by establishing a Great Army of the Republic.
What defines “”Attack of the Clones”” is the pure joy and entertainment value that the film provides; it is more entertaining than all of the previous “”Star Wars”” films. “”Episode II”” combines the airy exuberance of the original “”Star Wars”” with the complex character development of “”The Empire Strikes Back.”” Although the film doesn’t exceed the previous two in perspective strengths, it merges both qualities to create a film that is well-rounded and balanced.
The film sacrifices some character development in favor of scenes blazing with action, computer animation and excitement, but it does so without losing an overall focus on the characters.
Lucas brings in a love story that seems artificial and rushed, yet it doesn’t distract from the overall film. Portman is clearly at ease with her character, emanating an aura of confidence that puts Christensen’s Anakin to shame. Christensen manages to come out as more of a cocky, arrogant frat boy than a future Jedi knight. His acting is dry and over the top at times, but overall, he starts to establish an identity for the young Skywalker as the film progresses.
Fans can be relieved that Jar Jar Binks has a limited role and has slightly matured beyond his childish traits from “”The Phantom Menace.”” He even makes a critical decision that radically changes the future course of events for the Republic.
Of all the major characters, Yoda shines above all and this film is a platform to see him in all his wisdom and prowess. This is also the first time Yoda is completely computer generated, but purists can breathe with relief because the animators paid homage to puppeteer Oz by having Yoda retain puppet-like movements.
The digital effects of “”Attack of the Clones”” obliterate every computer graphic-intensive film to date with an impressive arsenal of aliens, weapons, landscapes and ships. The computer effects are so well-planned that they don’t distract from the overall viewing experience. From the beautiful landscapes of Naboo to the waterworld of Kamino to the combative arena of a Romanesque coliseum, the computer graphics complement and add to the powerful storyline.
Although the beginning of the film is slow and at times muddled, the last 30 minutes of the film are unforgettable, containing the definitive lightsaber fight sequence. The power of the Force is truly seen for the first time when “”Episode II”” creates a lavish, epic-like battle to conclude a fast-moving, entertaining film. Lucas’ boundless imagination is clearly present when the Jedi knights use the Force and their battling skills perfectly and with ease.
Once again, Darth Vader sums up “”Attack of the Clones”” perfectly: “”The Force is strong with this one.””
Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox
